AUTOMOTIVE & MOBILITY
Open Innovation for Automotive
& Mobility
Elpis Labs connects automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and mobility companies with market-ready startups that solve critical challenges in vehicle safety, in-cabin experience, autonomous systems, and cost optimization.
Through innovation challenges, startup scouting, and CVC deal flow, we help automotive corporations identify, validate, and pilot emerging technologies within 1–3 months.
144
APPLICATIONS RECEIVED
IN LATEST CHALLENGE
THE CHALLENGE
What Automotive & Mobility
Leaders Face Today
Innovation teams at automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and mobility companies are under pressure to find, evaluate, and integrate emerging technologies faster than ever, while managing cost targets and safety requirements.
In-Cabin Experience & Safety
Improving vehicle safety means protecting occupants and assets. OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers seek solutions for cabin monitoring, biometric sensing, theft prevention, and incident detection, but need technologies that meet automotive-grade reliability at competitive cost points.
AI & Sensing Integration
Automotive and electronics corporations need to scout, validate, and integrate AI-powered sensing technologies (from real-time vision data to sound diagnostics) into production systems, but struggle to identify market-ready startups that meet integration timelines.
Component Cost Reduction
Increased functionality is driving up vehicle costs. Manufacturers need startups that can reduce existing components (speakers, electronic units, sensors) through software-first or integrated solutions that lower bill-of-materials without sacrificing performance.
Cross-Border Technology Access
The best automotive innovations are distributed globally. Japanese, Korean, European, and North American startups each bring unique strengths. Corporations need a partner who can scout across geographies and facilitate cross-border pilots and partnerships.
WHAT WE DO
Our Services For Automotive & Mobility
Elpis Labs provides end-to-end innovation support tailored to the specific technology landscape, safety standards, and procurement cycles of the automotive and mobility industry.
01
Automotive Startup Scouting
& Validation
Targeted identification and validation of startups in ADAS, in-cabin experience, AI sensing, infotainment, EV infrastructure, and component optimization. Elpis Labs delivers curated shortlists of market-ready solutions matched to your specific challenges and cost targets.
03
CVC Deal Flow
& Investment Matchmaking
Curated pipeline of investment-ready mobility and automotive startups for corporate venture capital teams. Elpis Labs aligns deal flow with your CVC thesis and parent company product roadmap, supporting due diligence and co-investment mapping.
05
U.S. Market Access
for Mobility Startups
Softlanding and go-to-market programs for international automotive and mobility startups entering the North American market, including corporate introductions to OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers, investor matchmaking, and regulatory navigation.
02
Innovation
Challenges
Structured multi-day programs where automotive corporations present specific challenges and vetted startups compete to deliver the best solution. Includes pitch coaching, expert workshops, and corporate-startup matchmaking. Elpis Labs manages the full cycle from application screening through winner selection and follow-up.
04
CORPORATE LEARNING
EXPEDITIONS
Custom visits to U.S. automotive innovation hubs, autonomous vehicle facilities, EV startups, and leading mobility VCs. Designed for executive teams seeking firsthand exposure to technologies from both automotive companies and consumer tech companies applicable to automotive.
06
Cross-Border
Open Innovation Programs
Elpis Labs designs and operates innovation challenges in partnership with government trade organizations, connecting Japanese, Korean, and European automotive corporations with North American startups through structured, multi-day programs.
Speak with an Elpis Labs innovation expert about your mobility challenges.
Ready To Find Your Next Automotive Technology Partner?
TECHNOLOGY FOCUS
Technologies We Scout In Automotive & Mobility
Elpis Labs identifies and validates startups across the following technology domains not only from automotive-native companies, but also consumer and software companies with solutions applicable to automotive.
AI Sound Diagnostics
In-Cabin Safety & Monitoring
Infotainment & Audio Enhancement
ADAS & Autonomous Driving
Computer Vision & AI Sensing
Motorcycle & Two-Wheeler Safety
EV Infrastructure & Charging
Connected Vehicle Platforms
Biometric Sensing (Driver & Occupant)
Software-Defined Vehicles
Component Cost Optimization
Supply Chain Visibility for Auto
Fleet Management & Telematics
Micro-Mobility & Shared Mobility
Recent Proven Results
and PoCs
Innovation Challenge: Automotive In-Cabin Technology
Client
Leading Japanese chemical and materials manufacturer operating across automotive, electronics, and healthcare sectors.
144
Scouted startups
30
Startups validate
Project
Elpis Labs managed the full innovation challenge as part of JETRO NY's J-Bridge program, attracting 144 startup applications across three industry verticals.
3
Winners Chosen
4
Day Program
CVC & INVESTMENT
Corporate Venture Capital In Automotive & Mobility
Corporate venture capital activity in automotive and mobility is among the most dynamic globally. Major OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, and technology conglomerates operate dedicated CVC arms investing in everything from autonomous systems and EV infrastructure to in-cabin AI and software-defined vehicle platforms.
Elpis Labs hosts regular CVC panel events in New York City and has deep content expertise in automotive CVC trends, having published analyses of investment strategies by leading automotive and mobility venture arms. Our coverage extends to airline, automobile, and electronics CVCs, providing a cross-industry perspective on how mobility innovation is being funded.
Through the JETRO J-Bridge partnership, Elpis Labs also facilitates cross-border investment connections between Japanese automotive corporations and North American startups, a unique channel that most competitors cannot replicate.
